6 Homemade Ways to Protect Tomatoes from Potato Blight

Self-grown tomatoes are something to take pride in. However, these plants are quite capricious and require a lot of attention. They react to changes in temperature, weather conditions and are highly prone to disease. One of the most dangerous problems is potato blight. This is a fungal disease that attacks only tomatoes and potatoes. Initially, gray-green spots appear on the leaves, which turn brown over time. Later, the blight spreads to stems, fruits and neighboring seedlings. It is quite difficult to eradicate, so it is much better to prevent it. But there are simple, reliable ways to protect tomatoes from the blight.

1. Don't grow tomatoes right next to potato beds. Disease-causing spores usually attack the potatoes first, and then, at a rapid pace, move to the tomatoes.

2. Water tomatoes in such a way as to avoid soaking their leaves.

3.For the plantation, choose a place away from water. It is good that it is not located in a depression of the land, as such exposure promotes the settlement of fog.

4.Plant them at an appropriate distance from each other (they should not touch each other). This will give them plenty of sunlight, and moisture will not accumulate between the leaves.

5. When the tomatoes begin to bear fruit, remove the lower leaves.

6. You can choose varieties that are less susceptible to blight. This will not guarantee that your tomatoes will never get sick, but the risk will be lower. And the very early varieties finish fruiting before the disease arrives in the area.

7.During growth, constantly watch the plants and immediately remove infected parts. It's best if you burn them to avoid spreading the spores. Do not replant tomatoes or potatoes in the place where there was a diseased plant. There is a risk that the pathogenic spores will survive the winter and attack again with the arrival of warm days.

8. If you grow tomatoes in tunnels, under covers, provide of a constant supply of air. Regular aeration will be really necessary.

9. An interesting way will be to stick a copper wire into the stem. Do this as soon as the first fruits appear. Copper ions will spread with the sap all over the seedling and simply fight the dangerous spores. Please note that the wire must not be varnished!

1. In your the kitchen drawer there must be some classic baking soda. Pour one teaspoon of the substance into one liter of water and spray the tomatoes. Remember to perform this activity only in the morning. This will protect the leaves from the destructive effects of the sun. Repeat such spraying every two weeks and after every rainfall.

2. Prepare a horsetail manure (yes I know, the name does not sound very attractive). Pour water (about 5 l) over the dried (100 g) or fresh leaves (500 g) and set aside (preferably in a slightly shaded place) for about 3-4 weeks. When the leaves begin to detach from the stems, this is a sign that the spray is ready. Dilute it in a ratio of 1:5 and spray it on your tomatoes. The silicon it contains will strengthen the plants. You can also make a stinging nettle manure.

3. Prepare a garlic extract. Slice 3-4 cloves, pour water and set aside in a warm place for a whole day. After 24 hours, the spray is ready. Mix it with water (1:1 ratio) and spray on the seedlings.

4. You can also use baker's yeast for spraying. Dissolve one cube in 10 liters of water, wait an hour and proceed. Treat your tomatoes with such a solution once a week.

5. There are actually quite a few recipes for natural sprays. You can also use a decoction of onions, nettles or just ordinary milk for this purpose.

Growing tomatoes, you should definitely rely on prevention. Natural sprays should be made even before the disease appears. They prevent potato blight, which spreads extremely quickly. And once it attacks our tomato seedlings, that's when you'll need to turn to chemical pesticides.